This review of the Brown Act and other open-meetings laws in California has been prepared to assist school-board members in understanding the intent as well as the letter of the law governing deliberations and actions taken by school-board members in board meetings. This volume, published in 1999 to reflect the most current--at that time--changes to the act, contains an addendum that details changes that went into effect in 2002. The Ralph M. Brown Act was originally enacted in 1974. A basic mandate of the act is that, with limited exceptions, all meetings of a school board in California must be open to the public. Certain business may be discussed and even acted upon in closed sessions. Such business is specifically defined within the act and California Education Code. Violations of the act can have far-reaching consequences, including criminal prosecution. This update discusses who must comply and what constitutes a meeting; types of meetings, and general requirements; agenda and posting requirements; closed sessions; records of meetings, and public access to documents; and enforcement, penalties, and remedies. Appended are 42 frequently asked questions, along with answers, about the Brown Act. (WFA)